Michigan Basketball: 3 important things to watch vs Purdue

Michigan basketball takes on one of the best teams in the Big Ten, the Purdue Boilermakers. The tip-off is on Saturday at 2:30 PM ET.

Well, Michigan basketball’s monstrous run could be coming to an end against Purdue. The last time that the Boilermakers beat Purdue was all the way back in 2018. With the Boilermakers surging and the Wolverines trending down this could be it for Michigan’s streak.

However, Michigan basketball has been in plenty of situations against Purdue where they were the underdog, however nothing this drastic. Let’s look at some things we should watch for throughout the game

1. Can Hunter Dickinson continue his dominance in the paint?

Purdue has by far got the most height out of anyone that the Wolverines have played, most specifically with big man Zach Edey who stands at 7’4. It’s going to take an absolute masterclass for Hunter to try and get points in the paint.

This means Michigan basketball will most likely have to rely on the ability to shoot the deep ball which we’ve previously covered does not end well. So, Dickinson is just going to have to find a way to make it work.

2. Will the Wolverines contain Jaden Ivey?

In my opinion, this is one of the best players if not the best player in the country. Jaden Ivey can score the ball and become a polarizing figure on his team that boosts the confidence of everyone. The Wolverine’s best chance of success is limiting Jaden Ivey’s role throughout the game.

In doing that, they’ll leave role players and Zach Edey on an island if isolating Jaden Ivey, forcing them to make plays rather than him. In short, Michigan needs to contain Ivey in all aspects of the game.

3. Will Juwan coach this team to a win?

This season has been a rollercoaster of emotions for fans and players. We’ve seen great success and great failure all in the short span of a few months and at the center of the heat is Juwan Howard.

While he had a great campaign last year, his first season and this season have been nothing spectacular.

Juwan Howard needs to coach this team and prepare this team more than he ever has because going into Mackey Arena with a win could change the trajectory of this team, go in with a loss, and well we’re back on the same boat we were just at.